Anthony Martial: I don't know where I will play for Man United

Anthony Martial joined Manchester United in a record £36m deal from Monaco

New Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has not been assured he will play as a striker by manager Louis van Gaal.

The 19-year-old moved to Old Trafford from Monaco on transfer deadline day for an initial fee of £36million – making him the most expensive teenager in history.

United clearly fancy the former Lyon youngster to develop into a special talent with one of the add-ons in his deal being a payment to Monaco if he goes on to win the Ballon D’Or.

Martial, who has linked up with the senior France squad for the first time having scored four times in 12 Under-21 caps, adds much-needed options to Van Gaal’s attacking options but revealed he has not been assured of his preferred central role – a position currently occupied by United skipper Wayne Rooney.

“He (Van Gaal) asked me my preferred position,” Martial said at a press conference ahead of France’s clash with Portugal on Friday. “I prefer to play in the centre but he told me I could play in a number of positions – it is the coach who decides but whatever position I play, I will do the best I can.

“I’m really keen to develop my game in the English league and prove my worth.”

Martial could make his debut for the Red Devils when rivals Liverpool visit Old Trafford on September 12 and, if selected by Van Gaal, all eyes will be on the precocious talents of the teenager.

But, having scored 15 goals in 70 appearances for Monaco, Martial insists he is not concerning himself with his record-breaking price tag. “I don’t know if I’m worth E80million but I don’t worry about the sums,” he said.

“I’m going there for the football side of things, the price is between the two clubs and I don’t see myself under any pressure.”